Jazz Fest Parking Do’s And Don’ts

Jazz Fest Parking Do’s And Don’ts

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) - Available parking during Jazz Fest is always a hot commodity. To ensure festival goers and neighbors surrounding the fairgrounds have a pleasant experience, the City of New Orleans is issuing reminders. WGNO News Reporter Darian Trotter takes a look at parking do’s and don’ts.

The second and final weekend of Jazz Fest 2014 is here, and with it comes the issue of parking.

“Doesn’t bother me,” festival goer Curt Futch said.

Curt and Ann Futch have attended the festival at least 15-years.

“We’ve never not found a parking space and probably the longest we’ve circled is 25 minutes,” Ann Futch said.

“We’ve always paid a homeowner to park in front of their house or to park in their yard,” Curt Futch added.

Property owners like Darran Harper are offering parking for a price.

He says he’s provided a much needed service to concert goers the past four years.

“If have regular customers that really pays in advance to secure a spot and they’re comfortable with it so who am if hurting,” Harper said.

But city enforcement officials are making the rounds to ensure local businesses are in compliance.

City code requires businesses to get permits for parking on commercially zoned property. Non-profit organizations must apply for a permit too.

The fee for a commercial business is $265.25 and $30.oo for non-profits.

WGNO News has learned shuttle service to Jazz Fest from First Baptist Church has been suspended due to city regulations.

Church leaders at the 5290 Canal Blvd. address had no comment.

“If think when you add the event of transporting someone that’s a different game, so if think that needs to be more regulated,” Curt Futch said.

Parking enforcement is also looking for illegal parking; including blocking hydrants, driveways, and sidewalks.

Parking too close to crosswalks, intersections, and stop signs will also get you ticketed or towed.

“This year they have been great! They’ve been great,” Harper said about enforcement officials. “They’re not harassing anybody. Actually they’re doing a good job.”

The city will aggressively enforce rules against unlicensed vendors selling products near the festival.

There is still time to get a permit at City Hall Friday between 8 a.m. – 3:30pm.